Indirect bonding is a method of applying brackets for braces to the teeth in such a manner that an entire set of braces can be applied in several less steps and less time! Traditionally, braces are placed on each individual tooth, one at a time. The traditional procedure required meticulous, long, painstaking sessions for both patient and doctor but technology has brought us far with the indirect method.

Indirect Bonding Process

Indirect bonding is a technique in which impressions of the teeth are made, and most of the work for the braces is done in the lab pouring up the model, trimming and setting brackets.

The brackets for the braces are placed on the models of the teeth in the ideal position, fitted into the trays made on the model, and sealed and cured. These trays are custom fit to your mouth and are like that of a thicker rubber Invisalign tray. 

Setting the Braces

When you come to our office to have your braces fitted, the trays, made from your own teeth models, have been completed with the braces built into them. All that remains is a short sitting to fit the trays onto your teeth, align them, and separate the braces from the trays.

Your own teeth will have to undergo some preparatory work in order to accept the braces. This involves preparing the surface of the teeth for the adhesive for the braces, as well as preparing the surfaces of any crowns. You will also have a short period to wait while the adhesive cures, once the braces are in place.

All the other work that would traditionally have been done in the orthodontist’s chair has been done on the models, and by the time the orthodontist sees you for the second sitting, your braces are exactly aligned to your teeth, set in place, and the wires placed saving a large amount of time for everyone.

Adjustments to Your Braces

You will be seen approximately every 6 to 9 weeks. Each appointment may consist of replacing wires, elastics, repositioning brackets, update xrays and/or assessing any additional changes that may need to be made.